Micardis is used mainly in the treatment of hypertension. It seeks to block the hormone angiotensin and thus relaxes the blood vessels, in turn causing them to widen. This high blood pressure decrease seeks to help in preventing strokes, kidney problems and also heart attacks.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Micardis with a meal or without one. Please drink a full glass of water with Micardis.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

This medication can seek to raise the potassium levels, which can rarely cause certain serious side effects like muscle weakness and very slow heartbeats. In such an event consult your doctor as soon as possible.

The effect of the dosage can only be noticeable within 4 weeks of its daily consumption, before that it cannot be decided whether or not the medications are working.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Micardis being an angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), includes losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, and candesartan. The ARBs can block the ability of chemical angiotensin II in order to constrict arteries and veins. Because of this the arteries and veins seek to enlarge and in turn the blood pressure falls. The heart can pump blood easily because of this reduced pressure in the arteries. Micardis was approved by the FDA in November of 2000.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Micardis at room temperature preferably between 15 to 30 degrees C. Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Warning/Precautions

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Your condition might be monitored or the dosage might be modified to suit you if you have conditions like kidney or liver disease along with high blood levels of potassium, certain heart problems, diabetes, severe dehydration, any allergies maybe specially towards ACE inhibitors such as lisinorpil or captopril.

Micardis may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Micardis. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Micardis. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Micardis before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.

Pregnancy Info

Micardis is in the FDA Category.

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Micardis to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby. However it is not recommended for pregnant women.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Micardis as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby. Breast feeding patients are usually restricted from taking the dosage.